Grading the States 2009 Report Card: Nevada

In 2006, Nevada’s mental health care system received a D grade. Three years later, the grade remains the same. The state’s citizens deserve far better. Nevada has struggled to keep pace with population growth and demand for mental health services. Full narrative (PDF).

Health Promotion and Measurement: F 25% of Total GradeBasic measures, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices,
emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.

Financing & Core Treatment/Recovery Services: D 45% of Total GradeA variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.

Consumer & Family Empowerment: D 15% of Total GradeIncludes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the
state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.

Community Integration and Social Inclusion: F 15% of Total GradeIncludes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.

"The lack of mental health care in rural areas of the state ... It is simply inaccessible."

"Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services is the Mental Health Agency that serves my family member... The wait can be as long as five hours in a tiny lobby."

"The best thing is that Las Vegas has mental health courts. The illness is treated through the probation officer, the therapist, the mental health case worker, and the psychiatrist all working together."